Mets' latest change is like rearranging deck chairs on Titanic

New York Mets relief pitcher Sean Manaea. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Mets' latest change is like rearranging deck chairs on Titanic

By David Hill | Last updated May 29, 2026 8:05 PM ET

The New York Mets are at least attempting to pull themselves out of the NL East basement, but it is fair to wonder how much their latest move will help.

Anthony DiComo from MLB.com reported that the Mets are removing pitcher David Peterson from the rotation. Pitcher Sean Manaea will take Peterson's place, either as a starter or in a bulk relief role following an opener.

A move needed to be made regarding Peterson. He struggled to begin the season, posting a 5.57 ERA and a 1.669 WHIP over his 53.1 innings, striking out 53 batters with 23 walks. That performance may be a matter of bad luck as opponents have a .379 batting average on balls in play against Peterson, 87 points above league average.

His ability to generate ground balls and keep the ball in the yard — Peterson has allowed only two home runs this season — have led to a 3.03 FIP, which may be a better indication as to how well he has pitched.

The Mets are moving David Peterson to the bullpen. He'll be available in relief starting Sunday.

Sean Manaea will take over Peterson's spot in the rotation/bulk mix.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 29, 2026

New York Mets' pitching role swap may not change much

Manaea has not been much better. He has posted a 5.56 ERA and a 1.618 WHIP over his 34 innings, striking out 38 batters with 15 walks. Manaea has also been plagued by bad luck with the batted ball as opponents have a .378 batting average on balls in play against, 86 points above league average. He has limited hard contact and kept the ball in the yard as well, leading to a 3.65 FIP on the season.

Peterson and Manaea's struggles are all the more discouraging given the Mets offseason. President of baseball operations David Stearns had made run prevention a focal point of the offseason, leading to their acquisition of second baseman Marcus Semien from the Rangers. However, the additions of Bo Bichette to play third base and Jorge Polanco at first, where the two entered the 2026 season with one inning of professional experience at those positions, appeared to run contrary to those plans.

The Mets need to do something as they look to claw their way back into contention. Swapping Peterson and Manaea may not be nearly enough.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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